A TEENAGER from Weymouth is dancing on air as she joins a prestigious ballet company for a nationwide tour.

Final year dance student Imogen Breaks, 19, has signed up with the renowned graduate performing company Ballet Central for a four-month 11 venue tour across England. They will be appearing at Bridport Arts Centre next month.

Imogen attended Budmouth College and trained with Weymouth Dance Studio and the Royal Ballet Associates. She is now in the final year of a three-year BA (Hons) Professional Dance & Performance degree at the Central School of Ballet in London where competition for places is fierce.

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Central is a world-leading centre for professional dance training providing graduates with opportunities for employment in the world’s foremost dance companies and international musical theatre productions. Students join the touring company Ballet Central to gain professional performance experience and the opportunity to work with leading choreographers leading up to graduation in July.

Ballet Central will present three new pieces this year, a mixture of original pieces from distinguished choreographers and a restaging of an existing contemporary work.

Imogen said: “I have especially enjoyed learning repertoire with Mthuthuzeli November for the Ballet Central tour, gaining an incredible insight into the creative process. This particular style has also provided an exciting challenge and inspiration for my own future work. I would love to have the opportunity to have a performance career in dance, focusing on classical ballet and neoclassical works.”

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Mikaela Polley, Artist-in-Residence said: “The experience of working with renowned choreographers in the creative process is invaluable for student dancers. They learn to absorb, understand, and interpret the story of each piece and the choreographers’ different ways of working. This accelerates their growth as future professionals and helps to prepare for the transition into company life when they graduate in July.”

Kate Coyne, Central’s Artistic Director said: “Joining Ballet Central and the experience of performing on tour distinguishes our dancers and supports their future employability in the dance industry. Performing is the ultimate goal for professional dance students so the chance to bring all their training to a peak in front of a live audience fulfils ambitions and stimulates new learning. Audiences benefit from seeing new talent and vibrant choreography in theatres across England. It’s a joy for our dancers and audiences alike.”

The tour began in April and continues into July.

Catch the show at Bridport Arts Centre on Saturday, June 11. Tickets are £15 (£13 concessions) and can be purchased from www.bridport-arts.com or 01308 427183.